Paya is a very popular soup in Bangladesh, Pakistan and India prepared from beef or goat legs. Cooking the beef or mutton legs, a.k.a. paya, slowly turns the meat into soft as cotton. The taste of this soup is divine and the meat, marrow and fat from the legs melt in your mouth. I love the soup as is or with paratha. You can serve with naan or any other bread as well.
The key to good Paya soup is the initial simmering. If you have a pressure cooker, or instant pot you will reduce cooking time by couple of hours. Without a pressure cooker, simmer for 3-4 hours with all the spices. Even though the preparation time is lengthy, the prepared dish is well worth it.
Traditionally, paya is served during breakfast. On a cold night, the rich soup will warm up your soul.
- 2 pounds beef or mutton legs/paya
- 8-10 whole black pepper
- 4-5 cardamom
- 2-3 inches of cinnamon
- 2-3 bay-leaves
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped ginger
- 2 teaspoon garlic paste
- 2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 3-4 green chili
- salt to taste
- 10-12 cups water
- 1 ½ cups sliced onion
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3-4 tablespoon lime juice
- Add all spices and salt to goat/beef leg.
- Add half of the onion slices and set aside the rest.
- Add 6-7 cups water and simmer for 3-4 hours. As the legs cook, continue to add water to keep a soupy consistency.
- Heat oil in a pan. Add the remaining sliced onions and sautée until brown and fragrant.
- Add the fried onion to the paya.
- Add lime juice.
- Simmer 30 minutes.
- Garnish with finely chopped ginger, cilantro, green chili, and lemon juice.
Frozen/older legs have a meaty smell which takes a long time to diminish.
Adjust simmering time accordingly.
Adjust water to the consistency you desire.
The paya recipe was perfect. It was nice to have as the weather got chillier. I did the simmering part in the slow cooker and then added the fried onion baghar at the last 30 minutes as you directed. Thanks!!
Oh, how much I love to get your feedback, Lani. They always put a smile on my face. It is so sweet of you to try the recipes from the blog and letting me know. Thanks a lot.
what is the simmer time in slow cooker (crock pot)
I haven’t cooked paya in a crockpot. I’d think it’ll take about 6-8 hours.